Duty of NC to fight for rights of people: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and opposition National Conference working president Omar Abdullah today said it was the duty of his party to fight for rights of people of the state and to

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and opposition National Conference working president Omar Abdullah today said it was the duty of his party to fight for rights of people of the state and to hold the government accountable on all issues of public concern.

“As the principal opposition party, it is our duty and responsibility to fight for the rights of our people. We have seen how PDP sold out to the BJP for the petty trappings of power and this development has put a very onerous responsibility on our shoulders, one we will do justice to with the grace of God.

“We have to be active and dynamic in holding the government accountable and in highlighting all issues of public concern with alacrity,” Omar said addressing a workers convention of the party here.

The NC working president asked the party's office bearers and activists from Srinagar to toil day and night to reclaim the party's dominance in the city as during Assembly elections the party had lost five seats out of eight in the district.

“The party's dominance was founded on the bedrock of a special political, social and cultural bond it has shared with the city and its people over decades. NC was founded in Srinagar from where historic struggles were fought by the party's founding leaders under Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for the dignity and rights of people of the entire state,” he said.

Omar said successive NC governments had demonstrated their dedication and vision to cater to the evolving needs of the capital city and the party's commitment towards Srinagar “is and will remain unquestionable”.

He asked the Srinagar block presidents and halqa presidents of the party to work in close coordination in their efforts to strengthen the party's grassroots network.

“You should leave no stone unturned to reach out to the people of your specific areas and should serve them with utmost dedication and honesty. Humility, humbleness and accessibility should be the hallmarks of your behavior.

“NC has to fight for the dignity of our people and defeat those forces that infiltrated into Srinagar only to shamelessly surrender in front of the BJP,” the former chief minister said.